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Companion to the “feminized” pink La Comtesse, the 1954 Le Comte was also built on the Imperial Custom Newport frame. With a different paint scheme—bronze and black—the Le Comte’s standard equipped 331 V-8 Powerflite automatic transmission and power steering and brakes also offered a few surprises: a continental extension kit, vinyl and plexiglass roof and sporty wire wheels.

Preceding the 1956 Dodge LeFemme was the La Comtesse concept car of 1954. La Comtesse was part of a pair of "His and Her" show cars: the Le Comte and the La Comtesse. These were among the first of Chrysler's show cars under the helm of Virgil Exner. Chrysler's Press Release had this to say about the car: Chrysler�s exotic new plastic top car, presents a gorgeous two-tone exterior of dusty rose with a pigeon gray top. The interior is luxuriously finished in cream and dusty rose leather with seat back inserts of platinum brocatelle fabric. Interior appointments are set off by specially-designed chrome hardware. A long, low note is provided by heavy chrome molding running along the lower body of the car from the front wheel openings to the rear bumper. A continental tire mount and chrome wire wheels add to the car�s smart appearance. La Comtesse is built on a New Yorker Deluxe Newport chassis and is powered by a 235-horsepower Chrysler FirePower V-8 engine and features fully-automatic PowerFlite transmission, power steering and power brakes plus Chrysler�s high-roll front suspension for easier handling and improved roadability. After the 1955 show season, La Comtesse disappeared. However, reader Wayne Graefen writes in to tell us: (2008) La Comtesse has been located after years of storage (the license tag says last registration was 1970) in Southern California. The show car has been purchased by the Chrysler Historical Foundation and will eventually appear in the museum. Merle Wolfer is preparing to submit an article to WPC regarding the story of the car. We can't wait to read the article and see La Comtesse back on display!

I removed the front seat totally and it made it a lot easier. I sewed my own using the old as a pattern which I had to tape it together but came out nice.

Yes, open it up and if it has all the factory parts then it has only been opened once. I would think that would be hard to determine unless it's too clean or painted a different color which would indicate a rebuild or internal repair.

The car is great but I want that ski rack. I want to do my 38 dodge with a bunch of period winter accessories.

I got grommets from the plumbing dept at the hardware store.

I bought one of the Mopar factory accessory electric gas cap off of eBay for my 49 Chrysler. It works real good and was easy to install. I enjoy showing it off because people don't believe it's a period correct factory gas cap. It cost more than $8 but I think it's worth it.

If you have a buffing wheel for polishing on your bench grinding, you can shine up the plastic real nice with the white compound. If you have any bad places, sand with the finest paper you need to get them out and end with 1000 or 1200. Then """Lightly""" use the buffer to polish them out.Keep the plastic moving because if you leave it in one place to long it will get hot and melt the surface. Works good for the plastic insert on the horn button. Use a sanding block on flat surfaces if you have scratches to get out. The buffer will only shine the surface and take out the haze. Any deeper scratches will have to be sanded out. Use wet, wet n dry paper. I always use the buffer first and if I'm not satisfied with the results I then go to the sand paper.

Where in Texas are you?

The radiator was moved forward in front of the bracket. I not sure it the engine mounts were changed but I've heard they have to be. It also has a 3 speed overdrive trans and I don't think it's fluid drive. I haven't had time so see which trans it has. The overdrive isn't working. That's a project for this summer.

I just saw a website that gave me the information I needed.It's from a 53 Windsor. Would it be a 265 ci? C53 265? 25 inches Chrysler Car Chrysler C60 Windsor 1953 1953

I have a 48 Plymouth that a previous owner, in 1972, put a Chrysler Spitfire 6 in it . The engine number is C53-35985. When I looked up the C53 prefix it said it was for a 52 Imperial 8. I always thought the engine prefix was the model of the car it went in. Am I wrong on this and if so what year engine is this? Thanks

I went to the hardware store and found grommets in the plumbing department that were extremely close to the originals. These were used to seal faucets and only about 50 cents each.

On my 49 Chrysler, the 2 map lights on under the dash blink when the brake is engaged. Very effective at night.

The best way to brighten them up is chrome polish or I like to use paint rubbing compound. Don't use steel wool as this will remove the thin layer of chrome and make's it loose it's shine and leave scratches on the surface. Be sure to use plenty of elbow grease. You can use a toothbrush with polish or compound to get into hard to reach areas.

How about you car at a car dealership.

My 55 and a period jet.

Sorry you took my post the wrong way. In your post you seemed shocked that nobody would answer your questions. I was only pointing out that most of the knowledge on this site is toward stock problems. There are people into customizing but I don't think they are in the majority. You might as well customize and up date you car as they are worth a lot more than the stock cars and easier to sell. I'd put a 318 in my 50 Wayfarer if I knew how to do it but I can keep the 6 going so i guess I'm stuck with it.. Who needs to go over 50 anyway? Sorry again but i wasn't trying to put you down.

There are photo not links in some of the ads. I would call it a good use of valuable space. I would like to see photos there. You can see if it's what you want before you go and call the owner. Is "Show me your tools " or "The picture game" a good use of valuable real estate?

One thing I thought was odd about the for sale /wanted section was not being able to download a picture . But looking through the adds I see some do have picture. So what is the policy? I think you should be able to see what is for sale or wanted and not just text. Classified ads are free and for use by individuals selling personal items. Ads are text only and attached or uploaded images are not allowed. You may include a link to images on your own personal server like Photobucket or Shutterfly. Ads will run for 30 days and are automatically deleted at the end of that time period.

Most of the people on this site keep there cars original. Now if you have questions about drum brakes and stock rear ends you would get lots of help.

Is the cowl vent screen painted body color or black? My 49 Windsor's screen is body color but it had a repaint long before I got it.

Since it's been decided for you to to replace the wheels, paint each one a different color and see what looks good. The real question is do you want the wheels to be predominant and stick out and look sporty and hot rod looking then go with a a bright contrasting color like red, or maroon which is a little quieter. If they body color they will blend in and not be so noticeable. What always looks nice to if you have a contrasting wheel color is to bring the color onto the body somewhere. This could be pin-striping or painting part of the body this color. Good design says that if you use a color in one place it should be repeated someplace else. This is your art and design lesson for the week.

You could have a clogged fuel filter. I had a car where the junk in the filter settled when off but clogged up again after running for a bit.